This is quite a scary time of the year for me as the Anguilla Tennis Academy is approaching the initial launch of the new facility in Blowing Point. It is difficult to run a non profit organization anywhere in the world and sometimes it feels even more difficult in Anguilla for various reasons inherent in a small island nation. One of the things that is quite disturbing is the fact that people try to take advantage of an organization that on the outside may appear financially sound, but in essence it is always struggling to stay afloat.

There is one aspect of the ATA of which many people are not aware. The new facility is privately funded and there is a separate bank account for the construction. However, all of the staff, equipment, electricity, bills, vehicles, functions, and everything else is run from a separate account called the programme account. It is this programme account that keeps us afloat and we are in constant need of help. The fees we charge the children do not cover all of our expenses. So the ATA, just as every other philanthropic organization in Anguilla, could definitely use volunteers.
I would not dare use this column to ask for volunteers as it has been my intention to be objective. Yet, I will say that there are many areas in Anguilla where help is needed and it is time we give more attention to youth organizations. There is a great need in Anguilla for fundraising across the board. Fortunately, in Anguilla, there is a large expatriate community with many retirees who in their own careers in business have been successful and thus can afford to build homes and live in Anguilla. I urge all expatriates to volunteer in some way with youth organizations because their expertise can be of great help. At this critical time in Anguilla, where youth violence is on the rise as well as crime in general, I have heard complaints from many expatriates about how they feel they are no longer safe and, unfortunately, many have been the target of some heinous crimes.
With that being said, it is in their best interest to invest in the youth of Anguilla and any organization that directly affects them. It could very well be a young person that grows up to eventually open the door for one of them at a mall or rob their house. I wish everyone the very best for 2008 and I am positive it is going to be the best year ever.

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